Prioritize Your Mental Health- 8 Tips to Stop Worrying

Life is stressful and with the pandemic still going on, it can take a toll on our bodies and minds. Luckily, there are simple ways you can stop negative thoughts and lower your stress levels. Here are eight techniques to try out.

1. Schedule Worry Time

There isn’t a magic button we can press that makes our worries disappear, but allocating a specific  window of time to worry can be beneficial. Instead of letting these worries consume your mind ALL day long, schedule a specific time of day to channel those worries. If you feel comfortable, you can try to write them down. Often times our brain likes to "put" a thought somewhere, so by putting it down paper you can stop the thought from ruminating over and over and over. We recommend choosing a time later in the day, but not immediately before bed.

2. Keep a Journal

Writing down your thoughts is a great way to clear your mind and articulate what you’re feeling. Take time to write, whether it’s in a journal or simply on your phone or computer.

3. Make a List

When you have a lot going on, it can be overwhelming. When your tasks start to pile up, you might not know where to start and it can be hard to be productive. Making a list will help you cut the tasks down to a more manageable size and make them more achievable.

4. Mindfulness

When you’re feeling stressed, it’s easy for your mind to run astray. Practicing mindfulness can help you focus on the present moment. Not only can it help calm your thoughts, but it can have both mental and physical benefits to your health. Not sure how to practice or where to start? Reach out to OSW for more direction/resources.

5. Develop a Personal Mantra

Adopting a mantra/saying that you repeat to yourself can help turn your mindset around when you’re feeling down. Even something as simple as ‘Not now’ or ‘Save it for later’ can help stop any negative thoughts.

6. Use Distractions

When you’re stressing out or experiencing anxiety, sometimes a little distraction can go a long way. Listen to music, read a good book, get outside, call a friend, take a walk or participate in whatever other activity you enjoy. It can give your brain a little break.

7. Focus 

When negative thoughts enter your mind, they can sometimes take over and it’s hard to break out of the cycle. If you take a moment and pay extra attention to your breathing or try wiggling your toes, it can help you reflect and refocus. By calling out our senses (I see, I hear, I smell, I feel) we can trick our brain and get it back to our standard mindset.

8. Move Your Body

Getting some exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress and boost your mood. You don’t even need a gym membership to get started. Take a walk outside around your neighborhood can improve your mood.

Our mental health is always a work in progress but using these eight techniques can make a difference. At OnSite Wellness, we prioritize mental health and wellness. Incorporating a wellness program at your workplace can have massive benefits for your employees in managing stress and anxiety. Contact us to learn more.